Cheap flights from Melbourne to Darwin

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Flight deals from Melbourne to Darwin

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Melbourne to Darwin? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne to Darwin

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Melbourne to Darwin flights are currently cheapest in May.

Direct flights from Melbourne to Darwin

Melbourne to Darwin: Alternative routes

Compare routes from Melbourne to Darwin below. You may find an airport to fly into that's cheaper, faster, or easier than Darwin.

Melbourne to Darwin: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight foundP11,552
Cheapest month to flyMay
Average flight time4 hrs, 36 mins
Most popular airlineEtihad Airways
Average flights per week77

Finding cheap flights from Melbourne to Darwin: Frequently asked questions

The best price we found for a return flight from Melbourne to Darwin is P11,552. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
4 hours and 36 minutes is the average flight time from Melbourne to Darwin.
Etihad Airways, Air New Zealand and Qantas fly direct from Melbourne to Darwin.
As of March 2025, there are 73 flights per week flying from Melbourne to Darwin.
The cheapest month to fly from Melbourne to Darwin is usually March 2025.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Melbourne to Darwin Airport on Friday, 23 May 2025.
Yes – the average flight time is 4 hours and 36 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Darwin but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Darwin is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
The cheapest airline that flies to Darwin is Jetstar .

Travelling from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW): what you need to know

  • Begin your journey at one of Melbourne's main airports, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) or Avalon Airport (AVV). Check out your options for booking a flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW) taking off from either of these.

  • Jump on a direct flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 29 minutes.

  • Darwin is 1 hour 30 minutes behind Melbourne. Darwin International Airport is located in Darwin, which operates on the UTC+9:30 timezone.

  • With 82 direct flights a week between the two airports, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the most popular route. Qantas operates the earliest flight at 09:15. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the latest departure from MEL to DRW is with Jetstar at 21:30.

  • For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably catch your flight from Melbourne to DRW.

  • Popular months like July or other busy periods mean longer waiting times and potential delays. Stick to your schedule by arriving at the airport even earlier. Plan for at least four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.

Airports in Melbourne

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)

  • You can jump on a direct flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW) leaving from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL).

  • Choose from a variety of carriers that operate direct flights from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport departing from MEL. Book your journey with one of these:

  • The distance from central Melbourne to MEL is around 24 kilometres. Check out travel apps like Google Maps for the best route, whether you plan to drive or take public transport.

  • Looking for a convenient hotel close to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:

About Darwin International Airport (DRW)

Getting from Darwin International Airport (DRW) to central Darwin

  • Darwin International Airport to central Darwin is around 15 minutes in a car. It's approximately 13 kilometres away. See what options are available, such as cabs, car rentals or ride-sharing services.

  • If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour and 12 minutes.

How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW)

  • The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport is P5,776. The cheapest price for a return flight is P11,552. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.

  • You're more likely to score cheap tickets from Melbourne to DRW if you book 8 months before takeoff. We crunched the flight price data and found that's when fares for this route are typically at their lowest.

  • To snag the best deal on your tickets from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport, schedule your trip for May (it's when flights are cheapest). Got flexible travel dates? Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the most affordable day to fly.

  • Sign into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. We'll notify you straight away if the price has dropped. It's simple to do, and it'll save you time looking for cheap tickets from Melbourne to DRW every day.

  • Customise your trip with filters. Adjust the total duration, number of stops, and arrival and departure times to find the ideal flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport. You can also sort the results to see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' options first.

The best time to fly from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport (DRW)

  • July is the most popular month to board a flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the best time to visit Darwin, consider your preferred travel pace and style.

  • Before you book a flight from Melbourne to DRW, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. November is the warmest month in Darwin, with the temperature ranging from 26ºC to 34ºC.

  • If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport in July when temperatures average between 18ºC and 31ºC.

More about Darwin

  • Start your Darwin trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport, check out our range of accommodation options including:

  • There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Mindil Beach, Crocosaurus Cove and Crocodylus Park are popular attractions which should feature on every Darwin itinerary.

Complete your Darwin trip with a car rental

  • Get behind the wheel of one of our car rentals in Darwin and see the city at your own pace. Easily compare rates from trusted providers in one go after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Melbourne to Darwin International Airport.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.